Army lineman Gilbert out for season

Army has lost one of its top offensive linemen for the season before the team breaks preseason camp.

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Posted Aug. 13, 2014 at 3:25 PM
Updated Aug 13, 2014 at 3:32 PM

Posted Aug. 13, 2014 at 3:25 PM
Updated Aug 13, 2014 at 3:32 PM

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Army has lost one of its top offensive linemen for the season before the team breaks preseason camp.

Justin Gilbert, who started all 12 games at right tackle in 2013, suffered a serious knee/leg injury last week in practice and will miss his junior season.

“He's a starter,” Army coach Jeff Monken said. “If he's not our best offensive lineman, he's certainly one of the best.”

Glibert, who is 6-foot-7 and 271 pounds, helped Army rank third in the nation in rushing (309.8 yards) last season. He played between 240 and 245 pounds as a sophomore. Gilbert had added the strength and size in the offseason to play in a more physical triple-option offense this fall.

Army is young and lacks experienced depth on the offensive line, and that was before Gilbert's injury.

Todd McDonald, one of Army's two senior offensive linemen, has shifted from center to right tackle to replace Gilbert.

“It hasn't been too difficult of a transition,” said McDonald (6-foot, 260). “But definitely not the way I would have wanted to take the job, for sure.”

Army has switched junior defensive lineman Wyatt Wilkerson (6-2, 261) to right tackle. Junior Corey Hobbs (6-foot, 240), who has moved back and forth from tight end to offensive line, has also taken snaps at right tackle.

“You move guys around and try to get your best five on the field,” Monken said.

For more on Army football, follow Sal Interdonato on Twitter @salinterdonato